Belize City Man Dies After Medical Emergency at Sea Near Caye Caulker

Police are investigating the sudden death of a Belize City man following a medical emergency at sea near Caye Caulker yesterday evening.  Reports indicate that around 6:00 p.m. a small vessel seen on fire about 100 yards from Blue Zen Resort on the north side of Caye Caulker Village. However, further checks revealed the vessel had experienced engine failure and was being towed toward the Split area.  While conducting checks at the Split, police observed a golf cart speeding away from the area with a person who appeared motionless. Officers later visited the Caye Caulker Health Center, where they observed 43-yer-old Edwin Flowers of Casuarina Street, Belize City, lying motionless on a bed. Police investigations revealed that around 5:00 p.m., Flowers and Jafeth Bennett, were fishing near Blue Zen Resort when their vessel developed mechanical problems. Bennett reported that Flowers, who was the captain, became frustrated and apparently suffered a stroke. CPR was administered, and Flowers initially regained consciousness.  The vessel was later towed in, but upon arrival at the Split, Flowers reportedly suffered another stroke. Medical personnel at the location rendered assistance, but while being transported to the clinic he became unresponsive.  Flowers, also known as “Drive,” was officially pronounced dead at 6:34 p.m. Flowers gained a criminal reputation over the years.  According to our news archives, Flowers, widely known by the alias “Drive,” was a Belize City figure whom police and media reports have long associated with the Peace in the Village (PIV) gang. Over the years, Flowers appeared before the courts on several serious matters. In 2009, he was jointly charged in connection with the murder of Randy Coye; however, he was freed due to insufficient evidence and no conviction was recorded in that case. More recently, in April 2024, Flowers and two associates were arrested during a police operation in which officers reported finding large quantities of cannabis and cocaine along with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was subsequently charged with multiple drug and firearm offenses, pleaded not guilty, and was remanded to prison pending court proceedings. Our archives also show that Flowers participated at one point in the government’s Leadership Intervention Unit rehabilitation program. Reports indicate that at the time of his death the 2024 drug and firearm matter was still before the courts.